Чурубуско, Индиана: История и Население

Town in Whitley County, Indiana

Churubusco (,/tʃ//ɛr//ə/'/b//ʌ//s//k//oʊ/ or ,/tʃ//ɛr//i/'/b//ʌ//s//k//oʊ/); often shortened to Busco ('/b//ʌ//s//k//oʊ/), is a town located near the headwaters of the Eel River in the extreme northeast corner of Whitley County, Indiana, United States, in Smith Township, about 16 mile (26 km) northwest of Fort Wayne. The Churubusco post office has been in operation since 1848. The name Churubusco is a Spanish corruption of an indigenous Nahuatl toponym (place name) referring to a temple area celebrating the Aztec god Huitzilopochtli. It is bordered by the Rio Churubusco in Mexico City. The Spanish Nahuatl word literally translates as 'place (or temple) of Huitzilopochtli (the left side or south of the hummingbird)'.

According to the 2010 census, Churubusco has a total area of 0.9 square miles (2 km2), all land.

As of the census of 2010, there were 1,796 people, 706 households, and 483 families residing in the town. The population density was There were 749 housing units at an average density of The racial makeup of the town was 97.8% White, 0.1% African American, 0.3% Native American, 0.2% Asian, 0.4% from other races, and 1.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.1% of the population. There were 706 households, of which 37.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.4% were married couples living together, 14.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 31.6% were non families. 26.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 3.06. The median age in the town was 33.9 years. 27.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 9.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 27.7% were from 25 to 44; 24.1% were from 45 to 64; and 11.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 48.3% male and 51.7% female.

As of the census of 2000, there were 1,666 people, 650 households, and 438 families residing in the town. The population density was There were 692 housing units at an average density of The racial makeup of the town was 97.60% White, 0.06% African American, 0.60% Native American, 0.24% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 0.12% from other races, and 1.32% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.38% of the population. There were 650 households, out of which 36.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.9% were married couples living together, 13.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.5% were non families. 28.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 3.15. In the town, the population was spread out, with 29.0% under the age of 18, 9.7% from 18 to 24, 30.4% from 25 to 44, 18.6% from 45 to 64, and 12.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.1 males. The median income for a household in the town was $39,583, and the median income for a family was $49,279. Males had a median income of $34,844 versus $22,161 for females. The per capita income for the town was $17,814. About 3.2% of families and 4.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.0% of those under age 18 and 7.4% of those age 65 or over.

Churubusco has an elected clerk and town council style. The Churubusco Town Council is a three member legislative group that serve four year terms; each are elected town wide as at large council members. The council elects one member from among its body to act as president of the council. That president sets agendas during council meetings. Beginning January 1, 2016, the Council began serving staggered terms, with two members serving a one time, three year term, and one member and Clerk Treasurer serving a four year term.

Churubusco is home to the oldest continually held festival in Indiana. This event is held yearly at the local park grounds and features many different rides, games, live music, and vendors for the enjoyment of people of all ages. Turtle Days is rooted in the lore of Oscar the Turtle or the Beast of Busco, a giant snapping turtle that reportedly haunted nearby Fulk's Lake in Allen County. Many have tried to catch the monster turtle but no successful attempt has ever been recorded. He has been thought to be the size of a small car. The lake he is rumored to hide in has been drained, but no evidence was found. A popular theory as to why this turtle is so elusive is because the lakes and ponds around Churubusco are connected through an extensive series of channels and streams; some of which are tunnels. Many locals have claimed to see the beast but until evidence can be found, Oscar will still be a mystery of Churubusco, Indiana. Churubusco has multiple murals and statues commemorating this local legend around the down town area as well as inside of Smith green community schools. Churubusco recently completed phase one of the Downtown Revitalization Project, funded in part with a Main Street Revitalization Grant. The completed phase reconstructed sidewalks, added decorative lighting and landscaping features, and new benches and trash receptacles along the 100 block of North Main Street (US 33), enhancing the beauty of the downtown area. Churubusco's downtown is home to many locally owned shops including an antique store, two barber shops, a hardware store, a secondhand clothing store, and restaurants. One famous restaurant, Magic Wand, is located on South Main Street. It has been owned and operated by the same family since 1964 and is a family friendly diner that also has an outside ice cream shop. This Indiana landmark is famous for its unusual decor, with the inside of the restaurant decorated with hundreds of clowns. Churubusco Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Churubusco have been instrumental in creating events that have assisted in the improvement of the quality of life for town residents. Every August, Churubusco hosts the 'Busco Block Party. This free event features local merchants, live music, and other events. The Chamber and the Town have also partnered to organize Halloweenfest. Held the Saturday before Halloween, the event features a merchant trick or treat, costume contest, hayrides, and more. Hundreds of children attend the event and it continues to grow every year.

Churubusco High School, Middle School, and Elementary School together form the Smith Green Community Schools district which includes approximately 1,400 students. The town has a lending library, the Churubusco Public Library.

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